The points of issue
UK Allison & Busby first hardcover, London 1978, 'First published 1978,' with no later printing line, cover art by Jill Riches. World Fantasy Award winner.
Is this the true first?
UK Allison & Busby (1978) is the true first; the US Avon edition followed. The original text contains the unrevised penultimate chapter; later editions carry a revised version of that chapter.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition is the issue. The textual trap is the later revised-chapter editions; confirm the Allison & Busby imprint and 1978 date for the original text.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Gloriana a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Allison & Busby first hardcover, London 1978, 'First published 1978,' with no later printing line, cover art by Jill Riches. World Fantasy Award winner.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. UK Allison & Busby (1978) is the true first; the US Avon edition followed. The original text contains the unrevised penultimate chapter; later editions carry a revised version of that chapter.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition is the issue. The textual trap is the later revised-chapter editions; confirm the Allison & Busby imprint and 1978 date for the original text.
I have a first edition of Gloriana — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.